Catriona to Mariel’s critics: ‘Debate is healthy, bashing is not’

Netizens went abuzz recently over the comment of Bb. Pilipinas-International Mariel de Leon to 2018 Bb. Pilipinas candidate Catriona Gray in one of the pageant’s recent activities.

Catriona Gray (Instagram)

In the “Road to the Crown” interview, former Miss World-Philippines Catriona said, “My strength is that I’m an empath. I feel everything very strongly and I find that when I sing through music, it helps me connect to people.”

Mariel, who was part of the panel, made a comment that didn’t seem to sit well with some netizens.

“I really love your confidence and the way you speak. But sometimes it seems just a tiny bit scripted,” Mariel said.

After drawing flak on social media, Mariel wrote.

“If you’re not open to constructive criticism, then you’re not open to truly growing as a person. And yes, there is a difference between constructive criticism (to help someone grow) and bashing,” Mariel tweeted.

She also posted, “I believe what fans say or do to others are a reflection of the person they admire/are rooting for. Remember that.”

Catriona, also aware of the word war of netizens, clarified on her Facebook account that she greatly welcomes advice from beauty queens.

“Any advice from our queens is valuable to us Binibinis and I took all of those given to me, in a very constructive way,” Catriona posted in part.

She added that she still has a lot to learn and improve. Taking the issue positively, Catriona reminded everyone to refrain from bashing other’s opinions.

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion and although at times you may not favour it, it doesn’t give a good reason to turn around and try to hurt others through bullying or bashing.

Be passionate, but be mindful. Let’s cultivate an environment, not just in beauty pageants but in society in general, where we argue like we’re right but listen like we’re wrong. Debate is healthy, bashing is not. Let’s spread love!